The gentle roll of the Scotia Sea was a welcome respite after what was one of the worst storms to hit the Falkland Islands in the previous 20+ years. That said, the National Geographic Orion handled the seas like a champion, under the expertise of the captain and officers of the ship. As we left the Falklands in our wake, we prepared for the journey that lay ahead. The day was spent learning about what and why so much megafauna is drawn to this place from our seasoned naturalists. We also spent a good deal of time learning about South Georgia, our next destination, and how important it is to keep it protected.
As the ship cut its way through the swells, we found ourselves escorted by some good omens in the form of wandering albatrosses. It’s amazing to see how the largest flying bird can so effortlessly ride the currents of the wind, following the contours of the swells. The giant petrels soared among the wanderers, seeming to feel right at home out in the vastness of the open ocean.
